Window Cleaning Tips: Inside & Outside

You might not get the full amount of natural light in your house if your window is filled with dirt or water stains. Cleaning windows is a simple task that you can do, but oftentimes you find yourself spending more time cleaning it than you were supposed to.

There are several consumer window-cleaning items on the market, many of which offer a “streak-free shine.” 

We discovered that a simple solution of one part white vinegar to two parts water, dissolved in a spray bottle, works pretty well.

If you are using a store bought cleaner or a home made window cleaner, proceed with these tips and tricks on how to clean windows inside and out.

Cleaning the Inside of Windows

1. Fill a bucket or big pot halfway with cold, clean water and a few drops of liquid dish soap.
2. To collect any spills, place a big bath towel underneath the window.
3. Using a clean microfiber cloth or sponge, go over the whole surface of the window. Beginning at the top and making your way down. Don’t forget to clean the window, both inside and out.
4. Spray the window completely with the vinegar and water solution, or a commercial window cleaning product if you choose.  Another alternative you can use is to combine one capful of ammonia with two gallons of water.
5. Dry the window entirely with a clean, lint-free towel (or the black-and-white pages of a newspaper) in a Z-shaped motion.You can also dry the windows with clean paper towels.
6. If some dirt or stains linger, re-spray and rinse. Dirty windows usually require two rounds of spraying and drying.

Remember to clean your windows on a cool, cloudy  day so that the soapy water & window cleaning solution doesn’t dry on your windows.

Cleaning Windows from the Outside

1. Start by rinsing the windows with the hose,then fill a bucket of clean, cold water and adding a few drops of liquid dish soap. Outside windows usually have more stains & are dirtier.
2. Go over the window’s surface with a lightweight microfiber cloth. You can use a sponge mop (or a light cotton or microfiber mop) on a pole to clean higher walls.
3. Thoroughly rinse with the hose.
4. Spray or mop the surface of the window with the vinegar and water solution or a commercial cleanser.
5. Using a clean, rubber-bladed squeegee, dry the window. Work from top to bottom, manoeuvring the squeegee towards the bottom of the glass. At the end of each pass, wipe the squeegee with a clean, dry towel. You may also dry the windows with a wet, lint-free towel or newspaper sheets.
6. Saturate well with vinegar and water and let stand for several minutes before drying for stubborn soil and stains, even bird poop. You should also try wiping with a smooth “scrubbie” sponge. Avoid using steel wool or harsh scrubbing cloths, which would scratch the window.
7. Don’t forget about the window screens. Rinse with pure water, then with a vinegar and water solution, followed by another rinse with plain water. Allow to dry completely before removing the window screens.

Although window cleaning is not really as simple as it looks, once you’ve seen the result of your cleaning, you can totally say that it is worth it.

If you don’t have the time or experience to do it yourself, it’s always easier to hire a professional to clean your windows.